City trip Bogota

When is the best time to visit Bogota?

Bogota has two dry seasons that are also the best travel periods. December through February offers warm, dry weather with clear skies, ideal for Monserrate and city walks. June through August is the second dry period, slightly cooler (14 to 17 degrees during the day) but very pleasant.

The rainy season in March-May and September-November brings daily short showers in the afternoon. Always carry a jacket: Bogota is famous for its changeable weather ("verano-invierno-todo-en-un-dia", summer-winter-all-in-one-day). Hotels are cheaper in the rainy season.

Neighbourhoods in Bogota

• La Candelaria The historic centre with Plaza Bolivar, the Palacio de Narino (presidential palace) and dozens of museums. Colourful murals on every street. Safe during the day with other tourists; less advisable to walk alone in the evening.
• Chapinero The bustling middle section of the city with cafes, restaurants and a lively nightlife. The neighbourhood includes the pink Zona Rosa, a square kilometre full of trendy bars, international restaurants and boutiques.
• Usaquen The most charming villa neighbourhood of Bogota, formerly a separate municipality with colonial architecture and the vibrant Sunday flea market (Mercado de las Pulgas). The best area for a relaxed lunch stroll.
• La Macarena The arts quarter with murals by international street artists, creative eateries and coffee bars. Adjacent to Parque Nacional, Bogota's largest city park.
• Paloquemao Colombia's most famous flower market, active every morning. Enormous orchids and tropical flowers at prices you won't find anywhere else.

Top 5 things to do in Bogota

• Museo del Oro (Gold Museum) One of the most impressive museums in South America with more than 55,000 pre-Columbian gold and other metal objects. Entrance approx. 1 euro (4,000 COP). The highlight is the dark room where the "balsa muisca" (golden raft) is revealed in spotlights: the original of the El Dorado legend. Closed on Mondays.
• Monserrate The sacred hill (3,152 m) high above the city with a spectacular cable car (approx. 5 euros return) or gondola. From the top you see the entire cityscape of Bogota spread across the Andean plain. A 17th-century church stands at the summit with Sunday pilgrimage mass. Go on a clear morning for the sharpest views.
• Plaza Bolivar and La Candelaria The heart of Colombia with the Capitol, Palacio de Narino (changing of the guard on Fri/Sat/Sun) and the monumental cathedral. Walk through the surrounding lanes of La Candelaria for street art and snacks.
• Ciclovía on Sunday Every Sunday the main boulevards of Bogota (approx. 130 km) close to cars and open for cyclists, walkers and skaters. Free, organised and a unique glimpse into the bogotano lifestyle. Hire a bike for approx. 5 euros at one of the many rental points.
• Andrés Carne de Res The legendary restaurant and party venue in Chia (30 min outside the city) is a must for every Bogota visitor looking for an evening experience. Arrive early (from opening) for the best experience, otherwise long queues. There is also Andrés D.C. in Zona Rosa, but the original in Chia is more spectacular.

Flights from the Netherlands to Bogota

KLM direct: KLM flies direct from Amsterdam Schiphol (AMS) to Bogota El Dorado International Airport (BOG) in approx. 12 hours 15 minutes. Flights depart regularly and return fares typically range from 750 to 1,100 euros depending on season and how far in advance you book. Book 2 to 4 months ahead for the best rates.

From El Dorado airport to Bogota city centre: take a taxi from the official Taxi Aeropuerto desk (never a street taxi) for approx. 20 euros to the centre. Uber also works on the app but must be ordered outside the arrivals hall (past the exit). TransMilenio (bus rapid transit) costs approx. 0.65 euros but is less convenient with large luggage.

How much does a city trip to Bogota cost?

Bogota is one of the cheapest major capitals in the world. Street food (arepas, bunuelos, empanadas) costs approx. 0.50 to 1 euro. A meal at a local restaurant is approx. 4 to 8 euros. Zona Rosa and Usaquen offer better dining for approx. 10 to 20 euros. A glass of local beer (Aguila, Club Colombia) costs approx. 1.50 to 2 euros.